At Valley District Cricket Club in Brisbane, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heartbeat of a community initiative making sport accessible to neurodiverse children and young adults. Now in its fifth year, the club’s All Abilities Program continues to grow, thanks to new funding from the Milford Community Connection Program.

The grant is helping the program cover equipment and coaching costs, making it easier for more families to participate, including those who may be trying cricket for the very first time.

A Program That Puts Belonging First
Karen Willis, known to many as Kaz, is the founder and coordinator of the Valley District Cricket Club All Abilities Program. A long-time volunteer at the club, she started the program in 2021 with one clear goal: to make cricket a welcoming space for every child, regardless of ability or background.

“Running this program is a labour of love,” says Kaz. “To know that someone sees its value and wants to help is overwhelming in the best way. It’s not just funding, it’s recognition of our kids, our families, and what community sport can be.”

A Longstanding Club Connection
The grant application was championed by adviser Marc Banvill, Director at Aspect Wealth Advisers, who has been part of the club for over 20 years. He currently coaches an under-15s boys’ team and has recently returned to the field himself to mentor younger players, including his own teenage son.

Marc has supported the All Abilities Program from its early days and says its impact goes far beyond sport. “It not only allows participants to experience the great game of cricket, but it also creates a support network that strengthens our community,” he explains.

Real Impact, Right Where It’s Needed
For families already navigating the challenges of raising neurodiverse kids, the program provides a rare space where they feel seen and supported. And thanks to the Milford grant, Kaz and her team can continue offering it free of charge.

“The grant will help us welcome even more families, especially those who may be trying cricket for the first time,” says Kaz. “Removing financial barriers is a big part of what makes this work.”

Marc adds that the funding will also go towards field maintenance and new gear, helping the program grow in both scale and sustainability.

Gratitude That Goes Beyond Words
When Kaz heard the application had been successful, her response was simple: “So much gratitude.” For a volunteer-led program, every bit of support matters, not just practically, but emotionally too.

“Being part of the Milford Community Connection Program means our program and our incredible participants are seen, valued, and backed,” she says. “That’s really powerful.”

A Stronger, More Inclusive Community
Marc says what makes this initiative, and Milford’s support of it, so important is the example it sets. “Giving back teaches the younger generation that it’s important to recognise the needs of others and that it’s a good thing to sacrifice something to help.”

He also sees it as a reflection of Milford’s wider values. “From a business point of view, it really highlights the culture at Milford. It’s genuine and refreshing.”

About Valley District Cricket Club All Abilities Program
Based in Brisbane, Queensland, the Valley District Cricket Club All Abilities Program is a free, inclusive cricket program for neurodiverse children and young adults. Designed to create a pressure-free, supportive environment, the program focuses on enjoyment, connection, and confidence, no matter how a child plays or participates. Many players go on to join junior teams or Special Olympics pathways, but for Kaz and her team, just showing up and having fun is more than enough.